Richie Copeland, a 50 year-old resident of Kings Canyon National Park fell to his death on May 20, 2014 as first reported on May 21, 2014. Copeland was a widely respected climber with a great many friends both in the Yosemite climbing community and many nearby parks.

Copeland and a climbing partner were climbing the 'Liberty Cap' when his partner left to fill water bottles for both of them. On returning , Copeland was missing although his pack was still sitting on the ledge where he had been. After a short search by his climbing partner, Copeland was found at the base of Liberty Cap, and the partner called the Park Rangers, reports the Fresno Bee.

A friend and fellow Yosemite climber and guide, Gabriel Mange, spoke about Copeland, noting his experience in the area was copious and that he had climbed all of the major walls in Yosemite. A climbing blog dedicated to El Capitan in Yosemite is the ElCap Reports, the writer of the blog, Tom Evans stated:

Richie was a totally unique man who was always upbeat and ready for any adventure that presented itself.

Another example of a well prepared person who passed away doing what the loved to do. Yosemite is a great place for families to enjoy in the summer, but it can also be a dangerous spot. It is after-all, a national park, not the local mall.

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For Gar Swaffar, being situated in the Central California Mother Lode is a life enriching experience, thanks to rural scenery from Yosemite to old mining camps, rural towns and enough variations in restaurants to keep a foodie happy for decades. All this, plus the less hectic pace of life, allows him the time to explore the geography and the people which inhabit it.